The sixteenth-century papacy never succeeded in setting fire to Martin Luther, much to its chagrin. Support from a string of Saxon princes and political events in the Holy Roman Empire combined to keep Luther from Rome’s grasp until he succumbed,…
It’s a common observation, beloved by Reformed folk, that Deuteronomy reflects ancient near eastern suzerainty treaties–international covenants enacted between a superior suzerain power and inferior vassal state. Such treaties follow what we now think of as standard covenant formulary: a…
Is Paul also among the sacramentarians? When the Apostle uses a word six times in five verses, it is probably worthwhile to pay attention and ask what he is up to. This is what he does with the verb βαπτίζειν…
The two kingdoms. Few phrases so short could be lobbed with such devastating effect into a parlor conversation at a Reformed theology conference these days–or a few years ago, at any rate, though perhaps new topics have now succeeded it…
Many Christian commenters today are expressing concern about antinomian tendencies in the church. We are especially seeing attempts to downplay the role of God’s law as a guide to Christian living (the so-called third use of the law). One question…
Does an infinitely holy and righteous God accept imperfection from his people? Thankfully, he does. This is a central truth of our Christian living, though in some respects either ignored or rejected by some in the church today. Understanding God’s…
J. Todd Billings, Rejoicing in Lament: Wrestling with Incurable Cancer and Life in Christ. Grand Rapids: Brazos Press, 2015. $14.99 Much of life in a fallen world consists of navigating through the fog of tragedy and suffering. Any pastor who…
In previous posts, I have suggested that the question of suffering before God needs to remain an open question – a question that we, along with the Psalmists, bring before God in the midst of our grief, anger, and confusion.…
So wrote Luther to Erasmus in his Bondage of the Will. Few if any phrases from Luther have been more misunderstood. One regularly sees Luther’s words invoked to emphasize the transcendence, the otherness, of God. Luther criticized Erasmus, it is…
Preparing to preach tomorrow, I came across these stirring words in a suprising place: 1. All the blessings which God hath bestowed upon man are of his mere grace, bounty, or favour; his free, undeserved favour; favour altogether undeserved; man…
